Who’s Who in Black Alabama

We are the in the midst of producing our most exciting and comprehensive inaugural edition of Who’s Who In Black Alabama and we need your help with nominations!

Terri A. Sewell, U.S. representative-elect of the 7th District of Alabama, will honor the publication by penning the foreword.

We are pleased to invite you to submit a quality digital headshot and a current biography no longer than 180 words, for inclusion in the upcoming edition. It is important that you read the enclosed directions to comply with the requirements. All photographs and biographies must be received by our corporate office no later than Thursday, March 10, 2011. While inclusion is not always guaranteed, there is no cost associated with your information appearing in the prestigious publication. If you were previously featured in a Who’s Who publication and would like to be included in this publication, please contact our editorial department directly (call 614-481-7300 or email editorial@whoswhopublishing.com). We are going to press soon, so please don’t delay.

We look forward to seeing you at our Official Unveiling Reception for Who’s Who In Black Alabama™ to be held this spring. Additional details will be available in the coming weeks. Our company’s 21-year-old mission is deeply rooted in documenting the achievements of African Americans around the country. You are invited to visit us online at www.whoswhopublishing.com for future events, releases and product updates.

Sincerely,
Catrena Norris Carter
Associate Publisher
Email: catrena.whoswhoblackal@gmail.com

Download the official solicitation

Birmingham’s Largest Mardi Gras Celebration Returns for the Third Year Running

After announcing tickets were available online for the third annual FAT TUESDAY, exclusively held at Steel 1st & 23rd. Local social architect Rickey White is proud to welcome Hot 107.7FM, Nuvo Sparkling Liquor, Red Bull, Energy Drink, and Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka as featured sponsors that truly embody 3x times more excitement & entertainment.

Birmingham, AL/ March 8, 2010 — SLD Nightlife Affairs, a division of SociallyLinked, L.L.C. Birmingham-based brand management, social strategy, and business development company. Its subsidiaries are known for the execution of quality events and/or projects throughout the Southeast.

By engaging in partnerships with Urbanham.com, First Impressions, and Eventbrite for the production of “Hot 107.7’s Fat Tuesday”. We’re guaranteeing the best mid-week event you’ll attend during this year!

If you’re unable to make your way further down South for the other festivities then, make no mistake Hot 107.7’s FAT TUESDAY definitely feel any void. Everything about this event is filled with the spirit that embodies a true New Orleans’s celebration. “We’ve been amazed at the excitement, and are prepared for three times the patrons from last year.” States Kobe Mele, owner of Steel 1st & 23rd.

Hot 107.7’s FAT TUESDAY has the city buzzing since its inception over 24-months ago, bridging the gap between age, race, and/or economic status. “I’ve witnessed over 7,000 web page hits within seven days. All find out more about the event. No one offers Cajun cuisine, cocktails, live music, and party favors for under $15 bucks,” says Rickey White,
President of SociallyLinked, L.L.C.

NUVO is known first by the unique look of its bottle filled with a pink infusion, but there is real taste inside. NUVO is a blend of premium triple distilled French vodka infused with French sparkling wine (predominately made of chardonnay with a hint of pinot noir) and natural fruit nectar, thus creating; NUVO French Sparkling Liqueur. The feel is light and airy, not as carbonated as soda or bubbly as champagne, but just enough to twinkle on the taste buds. Raspberry is the primary fruit flavor that flows through with likely hints of strawberry and peach.

Red Bull Energy Drink is a functional beverage with a unique combination of ingredients. It has been specially developed for times of increased mental and physical exertion. Red Bull’s effects are appreciated throughout the world by top athletes, busy professionals, active students and drivers on long journeys. Red Bull is an Energy Drink that works. The energy drink has always been and always will be more than just a hot secret for the night owl and the non-stop party-animal. It is appreciated by a wide range of people, such as the overworked taxi driver, the stressed manager, the exam-anxious student and the pressured journalist…. It is used by surfers in the summer and snowboarders in the winter. For day or night, for job or fun. People who need more energy learn to value Red Bull Energy Drink.  And the number of people who do is increasing all the time.

Ciroc Vodka is a premium brand of vodka made from French grown grapes instead of the potatoes, wheat, rye, or corn that is typically used to make traditional vodkas. Juice is squeezed from the grapes. The juice is then cold-fermented and distilled. This distilling process leads to a smooth, refined taste that works well in making fine vodka cocktails.

This year we are combining a range of top-rated brands to will ultimately create a recipe that attendees have come to love year after year. Hot 107.7’s FAT TUESDAY attendees are encouraged to take full advantage of the following amenities:

-Signature Guest Sections
-Hookahs & Shishas
-Cajun Platters & Samplers
-Live Entertainment
-Professional Photography
-Complimentary Shots, Shooters, & Cocktails

Hot 107.7’s FAT TUESDAY will premiere on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Steel 1st and 23rd, 2300 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Doors open at 5PM, general admission is $13 with an additional -$3 OFF with a RSVP. For more information please visit www.FatTuesday2011.eventbrite.com or contact Sly King, 205-508-0035 or
sking@sociallylinkedllc.com, for interviews, photos, media and VIP requests.

Truthfully I don’t like…. (Being honest about who you are in the relationship)

Everyone always talks about how it’s so difficult to be honest. Constantly we even say how the other person won’t understand and it’s complicated. Is it really these things or are we covering for something… Maybe we don’t want the other person to figure out we’re truly not who we say we are. The golden question here is “why do we want to be with someone that won’t accept us?” Hmmm… The first thing that comes to mind is “we always want what someone else can have”.

Before you disagree with me, here’s the explanation. Other people can have the big hsmart guy is most likely going to be around smart people and engage in intellectual conversations. The savvy vixen is going to attract a lot of attention and be at all the in places. Because this is their mold, they do these things effortlessly. It’s essentially second nature. For someone trying to “fake it to make it” with them, it’s a recipe for frustration… Eventually, the phrase “are you always like this,” will come out. From there, it won’t be long before “you changed” will be said, followed by “I thought you liked that about me.”

We need to stop trying to impress people by being who we think they want us to be. It is simply ouse, the nice car, the great job and ultimately the hot girl. Not your expectation? Ok, the smart guy, handy man, ambitious dude, model chick, savvy vixen and or focused lady.

Before we look at what the other person has, we must first examine the sacrifice to maintain it. Are you willing to count the cost? Each person that I named above has their own world governed by different rules. For example, the not possible. Your creativity is simply not that great. I hear all the time, “what if they don’t like me?” My response is always the same. If they don’t like you, it frees you up to go find someone that does.

On the other side of that, what if they were looking for change and they appreciate the fact that you will be different. If this is the case, everything becomes easier.

Simply put, there is nothing wrong with not liking all the same things. By acknowledging your differences, the other person becomes aware and receives the chance to be considerate and embracing. As I always say, “who you are is good enough.” You can have exactly what you want without having to sacrifice who you are to get it. All you need is to have the confidence to believe in yourself.

www.kevinkeyspeaks.com

UNCF Masked Gala

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) of Alabama Birmingham MASKED Gala 2011
Odessa Woolfolk, Birmingham Airport Authority, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
to Receive Highest MASKED Awards
“Babyface” to Provide Special Entertainment
Funding Program Supports Nearly 300 Alabama College Students

BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 24, 2011) – Alabama is responding and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is nearing its fundraising goal to surpass $300,000 in preparation for the UNCF Birmingham MASKED Gala 2011.  The culminating event, supporting the Alabama Area office of the nation’s oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization, will be held this Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Sheraton Birmingham.

A host of community and business leaders who make-up the Leadership and Gala Planning Committees, as well as numerous volunteers, are working hard in this final stretch to ensure fundraising objectives are met.  From corporate, business, and organizational sponsorships to individual tickets, seats at the Masked Gala are going fast!

Honorees for the evening will receive the UNCF MASKED Award for their significant contributions within the Birmingham community and state of Alabama.  MASKED Award recipients include Ms. Odessa Woolfolk, President Emeritus of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and community activist; the Birmingham Airport Authority, and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.  Ms. Woolfolk and the public/private partners are being recognized as part of the UNCF’s MASKED Award: Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams. (See attached bio/photo.)

In addition to performances by local artist Deirdre Gaddis, Stillman College Jazz Consortium, and students from UNCF Alabama member schools, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds will provide special entertainment during the event.  (See bio and images attached.)

Birmingham MASKED Gala At A Glance
The UNCF Birmingham MASKED Gala is one of UNCF’s signature fund-raising  events and one of greater Birmingham’s premiere social occasions. “M.A.S.K.E.D.” stands for Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams.

Hosted by sponsors from local corporations, businesses, civic groups and the faith community, its purpose is to involve those who support the five UNCF-member colleges and universities located in the state of Alabama and to encourage the participation of volunteers, public officials and members of the general public who believe in the UNCF mission of providing college access and opportunity to minority youth.

When:  Saturday, February 26, 2011
Where: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Time:  6:00 p.m. VIP Reception
6:30 General Reception
7:00 p.m. Program Begins
Elegant Dining and Entertainment
Program: Awards Presentation / Parade of Masks / “The Future Behind the Mask”
Dancing / Live Entertainment
Goal:  $300,000
Attire:  A Black-Tie Affair

Entertainment:  Alabama Local Artists, UNCF Member College Students
National Entertainment: Babyface

MASKED Award Honorees: Ms. Odessa Woolfolk, Birmingham Airport Authority, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

UNCF Alabama/Mississippi Executive Director: Walvid King

2010-2011 CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP CO-CHAIRS
Herschell L. Hamilton, BLOC Global Group
Majella Chube Hamilton, Enclave Communication Strategies

2011 GALA CHAIR
Glen Agnew, AT&T

Individual Ticket Costs: $125 per person
Masks will be available for sale at all price points at the event.

For more details on tickets, or additional information on the UNCF Birmingham MASKED Gala 2011, please contact the UNCF Alabama-Mississippi Area Office at 205/322-8623.  For more information about UNCF, please visit  www.uncf.org.

About UNCF
UNCF—United Negro College Fund—is the nation’s oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization. Its mission is to increase minority degree attainment by providing financial support to its 39 member institutions, reducing financial barriers to college and serving as a national advocate for minority education.

In 2010, UNCF supported approximately 60,000 students at 900 colleges and universities with approximately $195 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF administers over 400 named scholarships.

UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees.  UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs.  Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.  UNCF’s recently redesigned logo and brand identity feature UNCF’s torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at  http://www.UNCF.org.”

Cauldron Projekts

During the months of February and March of 2011, Tia-Simone Gardner, Willow Scott, and Lauren Williams are pleased to present a new cultural space, . Based on the idea that Birmingham needs a creative and educational community that engages people, Cauldron Projekts will provide an artistic outlet for artists of all types. Located on 109 Richard Arrington Boulevard, Cauldron Projekts will give special attention to artists of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and will involve art including, but not limited to, visual, performance and literary arts.

Cauldron Projekts will reside in the previously named Bare Hands Gallery. After noticing a lack of African American participation in Birmingham visual art galleries, Gardner, Scott, and Williams began thinking of ways to create a more inclusive environment for those interested in the arts. Thanks to the generosity of Sarah Garden Armstrong, owner of the 21st Street Building, Gardner, Scott, and Williams will have creative occupation of the more than 1500 square feet of space for two months. In hopes of a response that is more reflective of the Birmingham populace, the Cauldron will encourage those interested in providing entertaining, lively, thought- provoking initiatives an opportunity to realize their work.

Lauren Williams is a 26 year old museum professional from Birmingham who, inspired by her grandmother, is approaching this project as a means to understand how she might better serve her community.

Willow Scott is 29 year old sculptural artist, also from Birmingham. In addition to her studio work, Scott is presently the Manager of the Southside Starbucks. She believes the Cauldron is a space for love, hard work, and coffee.

Tia-Simone Gardner is a 28 year old artist and educator. She believes that Birmingham’s unique history gives it a strong position as a cultural center and wants Cauldron Projekts to be a place to acknowledge this past while progressing towards a bright future.

www.cauldronprojekts.blogspot.com
www.birminghamcatchingup.tumblr.com

Happy Valentine’s Day?

I love today! I actually loved yesterday and look forward to loving tomorrow even more. With today being Valentine’s Day I have been taught to either love or hate today. I’m only allowed to love today if some guy that I actually like happens to buy me something or at this point in life, sends a cute, “Will you be my Valentine?”
This is truly the most wonderful time of the year. The time of year when we let “the powers that be” make us feel like we have been shortchanged or are unloved if we don’t hear those three little words on a particular day… “Got ya something…”

Although Valentine’s Day has been around for all of our lifetimes, where did this lovely tradition begin? There are many theories regarding the origin of the holiday, with my favorite being that of Ancient Roman priests sacrificing goats and dogs and the young men in the village taking the bloody hides and whipping the young girls in flirtation–how romantic!?!?!

What is most amazing is that you can be in a great relationship for eons or maybe even a new relationship that is showing all of the signs of having great staying power, and YET there will be many arguments and hurt feelings on this designated “day of Love” if the forces of convention do not convene on your loved one…

And what about us single ladies out there? This is generally a day for us to feel sorry for ourselves and lament the woes of finding love. Woe is me! Well, here is an interesting tid-bit; of the billion Valentine’s Days cards that will be purchased come second only to Christmas Cards…BUT 85% of all Valentine’s are purchased by women. So I say that to say this…just because your friend has a man…she’s still buying her own gifts!

So I encourage everyone to enjoy this and every other day knowing that you are loved. It may be by your friends, family and pets–but you are loved. And if you REALLY, REALLY want candy, flowers and stuffed animals, go buy it for yourself. On second thought, wait until tomorrow…when it’s on sale!!!!! I love you (seriously, I do).

Eunice on the Single Life from NBC 13

Love Is….

A child once said, “Love is like a virus with no cure; it’s a connection.”  This statement made me smile because it made me realize children really think about who loves them, their surroundings, who the key people in their lives are and the treatment received from others.  A child has the ability to tell it like they see it without being convoluted by the way of thinking and opinions of adults.  Children have the natural talent of saying it like they see it, with no strings attached, with no expectations, and using their eyes to distinguish and interpret things for themselves.  One little boy put it like this, “Without family who would you be?  It’s like half of you is missing!”  Children are so unfettered and not layered with disappointments, heartaches, and heart breaks; they simply tell it like they see it without asking any questions.

Why can’t we be like small children who can see pass a person’s faults and still accept you, still love you, still remember you, and have an ability to love unconditional because God has given them this uncanny gift of seeing pass our faults and knowing in their little brains exactly what we need.  They hug you in the middle of a conversation, they leap up for a kiss because they just know you will catch them and lift them up, and their hearts are so full of love because they do not hold grudges, even when we don’t keep our end of the bargain.

Everyone goes to Corinthians in the bible to describe in the way Jesus taught how love should be displayed, shown, given, and taken.  But we have these small people all around us everyday that God has already placed His kind of love into our children.  Just watch and listen we can learn a few things from those we are trying to mold and teach.  Don’t damage their way of loving, because it is the best thing they have to give us each and every single day.

By Tina Kay Hughes, Author of “TKay’s Inspirationals: Walking In Your Season”

Jobs@MBI .. We are growing and need a few good people to join our team!

Media.Broadcast.Internet (MBI, LLC) is hiring and we are looking for a few good people to join our team!  Check out our list of current openings below and send your resume and cover letter to jobs@mbi-llc.com.

MBI, LLC is an award winning creative services agency that focuses on addressing the creative and Internet advertising needs of all types of businesses.  Due to our love for technology we have gained the reputation as an agency that stays on top of the trends in web design and internet marketing.  We are currently accepting resumes for self-motivated individuals that require minimum supervision to join our team of dedicated professionals. Take a look at our current openings and apply today by sending your resume and cover letter to jobs@mbi-llc.com

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

Administrative Assistant (Part-time)
Entry level Administrative Assistant responsible for office management, scheduling and filing.  Experience with Microsoft Office required. (1 Position – Immediate hire)

Web Designers
Seeking junior web designers with experience in ColdFusion, PHP, ASP.NET, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Flash, CSS, WordPress Customizing, AJAX, XML and SEO (2 Positions)

Graphic Designer
Experience working with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. Responsible for working with our current design group in designing marketing materials, logos, newsletters, flyers and posters. (1 Position)

Commissioned Sales
If you are good with sales try your hand at selling top notch creative, online advertising and social media services.  Above average commissions paid.  (2 Positions)

Interns
Opportunities for “Go-Getters” looking to gain experience in social media marketing and grass roots promotions.  Intern positions are non-paid with occasional opportunities to receive compensation for sales via commissions as well as grass roots and promotional campaigns.  (2 Positions)

To apply please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@mbi-llc.com. No phone calls please.

REACH OUT TO US
Email: members@mbi-llc.com
Web: www.mbi-llc.com
Twitter: twitter.com/mbillc

MAILING ADDRESS
Media.Broadcast.Internet
209 20th Street North – Suite #204
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

The positions listed above are part-time, production based or commissioned only.  Candidates must possess the ability to work with minimum supervision with a strong commitment to completing projects and tasks on time. Serious inquiries only.

Neo Jazz Collective presents a Tribute to Stevie Wonder

On Sunday, February 27, 2011, the Neo Jazz Collective will present a tribute to the legendary singer, producer and musician, Mr. Stevie Wonder.  This family friendly event will feature a variety of songs from the music icon performed by one of Birmingham’s most popular group of young musicians.

Stevland Hardaway Judkins (born May 13, 1950), name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist. Blind since shortly after birth,  Wonder signed with Motown Records’  label at the age of eleven, delivered hit music for almost 50 years and continues to perform and record for Motown to this day.

Stevie Wonder begin his career at an early age and this makes him a great choice for the kick-off show for the young musicians of the Neo Jazz Collective. Stevie Wonder is a person that presents dedication to his craft and the ability to deliver great performances time after time.  Stevie Wonder is a great role model for any young person, especially those in music.

The Neo Jazz Collective will present tribute shows throughout the year highlighting artists that have had a stellar career in music with a long track record for success.  The tribute shows offer an environment where families can come together and enjoy great music with one another outside of the typical bar scene. This is something that many of the artist said is a rare find today and an opportunity to experience and share time tested music with their children and young family members.

Other local artist including Ree’ Al and OverFloe will perform selected music from Stevie Wonder accompanied by the Collective.

Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children by calling (205) 783-9880 or online at http://www.neojazz.net/tributetosteviewonder.html

Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Highland Conference Center
2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Doors open at 4:00pm, Showtime at 5:00pm

The show is sponsored by Urbanham.com, The Highland Conference Center, The Birmingham Arts and Music Festival, Magic City Smooth Jazz, Muzik & More, Birmingham Division of Youth Services, Goodfellas Radio, Media.Broadcast.Internet and the Neo Jazz School of Music.

About the Neo Jazz Collective
The mission of the Neo Jazz School of Music is enact a positive change in the youth of our community through an education in music and the arts also to educate, train and develop gifted students into professional career artists.

Founded on jazz and popular music rooted in the African cultural Diaspora, our curriculum is distinctly contemporary in its content and approach and it embraces the musical movement of our time.

The Neo Jazz School of music offers free beginners music lessons to anyone that wants to learn to play and instrument and low cost lessons for more advanced students.

For more information on the Neo Jazz School of Music visit www.neojazz.net

8th Annual Songs of Our Heritage Black History Concert

Birmingham City Council President Roderick V. Royal, District 9, presents the 8^th Annual Songs of Our Heritage Black History Choir Concert.  The celebration of Black History through songs is Sunday, February 13, 2011, 6:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Ensley, 1508 19^th Street.

The concert features the concert choirs of A.H. Parker High School, George Washington Carver High School, P.D. Jackson Olin High School, Magic City Boys and Girls, and the Scrollworks Chamber Orchestra.

Each choir will receive $1,000.00 from District 9 discretionary funds.  These funds will be used to assist with the cost of choir uniforms and travel and lodging expenses associated with each choirs’ spring concert tours.

For more information, contact the office of Councilor Roderick V. Royal at 254.2302.  Direct media inquiries to Jacqueline Gray Miller at 205.908.7392 jacqueline.gray@birminghamal.gov

Next Page »